Hartford – The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) reminds residents whose homes have been damaged by flooding and water to take steps to prevent the growth of mold.

For homes that have sustained significant water damage, the large amounts of water can cause mold growth. A mold problem can usually be seen or smelled. Testing is usually not needed to know if there is a mold problem.

People with asthma, allergies, or other breathing conditions may be more sensitive to mold.People who are sensitive to mold may experience a stuffy nose, irritated eyes, wheezing, or skin irritation.

Here are some things you can do to prevent mold growth:

Promptly remove standing water and porous materials that have remained wet for 48 hours or more.

Ventilate the home to dissipate moisture by opening windows, doors and using fans, if available. Dehumidifiers are useful in enclosed areas or when windows need to be closed because of rain or high humidity.

Clean mold from small areas on hard surfaces, such as wood or concrete, by scrubbing the area with a cleaning rag wetted with diluted detergent.

Any porous items that can’t be cleaned thoroughly and dried quickly should be thrown out (e.g. cardboard boxes, insulation, wet air filters, carpeting, mattresses etc.)

Check routinely for new mold growth or signs of moisture that may indicate the need for cleanup, home repair, or removal of affected materials.